The Power of One Man in Leadership

Exodus 32 is a striking example of how much influence one man in leadership holds—for good or for evil. Aaron was not an ordinary man among Israel. He was the high priest, chosen by God, the right-hand man of Moses. He had witnessed the miracles of Egypt, heard the voice of God, and stood on holy ground. More than that, he was appointed as a spokesman, the very mouthpiece of Moses, declaring God’s truth to the people (Exodus 4:14-16). If anyone should have held the line of righteousness, it was him.

But when the people pressured him, he caved. Instead of restraining sin, he enabled it. Instead of leading, he followed. The result? An entire nation plunged into idolatry, provoking the wrath of God. Judgment came upon Israel not just because the people sinned, but because their leader failed to stand.

A weak leader does more than fail to stop evil—he empowers it. Leadership is never passive. A man in authority either upholds righteousness or permits corruption to spread. But the opposite is also true: a single righteous leader—a magistrate, sheriff, mayor, or legislator—can hold back the tide of wickedness. When a man fears God more than public opinion, he becomes a force for justice, order, and truth.

This is not about Washington, D.C. or the next national election. This is about your town, your county, and your local officials. It’s about the sheriff who enforces justice, the mayor who shapes public policy, the school board members who influence what children are taught. These positions impact daily life in ways far more tangible than anything happening at the federal level.

If you are in a position of leadership—whether as a mayor, legislator, judge, sheriff, or council member—know this: God has placed you there for a purpose. You are not merely an administrator of policies; you are a servant of God, accountable to Christ the King. Romans 13:4 says, “for it is a servant of God to you for good.” Your role is not morally neutral. You are called to wield authority in a way that reflects God’s justice, not the shifting pressures of a pluralistic society.

Do not believe the lie that you must set aside your Christian convictions in order to lead effectively. The separation of faith from governance is not biblical—it is secularism’s demand, not God’s. True leadership is not about appeasing every voice but about standing firmly on righteousness. It is about making decisions that honor God, protect the innocent, and uphold truth, even when it is unpopular.

You may be the deciding vote. You may be the one voice holding back injustice. You may be the man standing at the crossroads of whether righteousness moves forward or is suppressed. Do not waver. Do not compromise. Fear God, not man.

At the local level, major decisions frequently rest on a single individual. A city council member may be the deciding vote on whether obscene materials remain in public libraries. A sheriff may choose whether to enforce unconstitutional mandates. A judge may set a legal precedent that protects—or erodes—religious liberty in a county.

There is always someone at the crossroads, holding the power to advance either righteousness or corruption. That’s why local leadership matters. The direction of a community is often shaped not by sweeping national movements but by the courage or cowardice of a handful of local decision-makers.

Too many Christians lament the state of the world but do little to change it. They see corruption in local government, moral decay in schools, and lawlessness in their communities—but withdraw instead of engaging. Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. If righteous men don’t take positions of influence, unrighteous men will. There is no neutral ground.

If you love the Lord and fear His Word, consider how you can lead. Serve on your local school board. Run for city council. Get involved in local commissions. Stand for righteousness in the places where decisions are made. If you are not called to hold office, then know your local leaders. Pray for them. Influence them. Hold them accountable to justice and truth.

Exodus 32 teaches us that one leader’s failure can bring disaster. But the reverse is also true—one man’s faithfulness can restrain evil. If you want righteousness in your community, don’t just hope for it. Act.

Know your local leaders. Pray for your local leaders. Become your local leaders. And if you already lead—lead with conviction, submitting all you do to the Lordship of Christ. Your faith is not a liability in leadership—it is the foundation of true wisdom, courage, and justice.

Christ is King!